What Guinness World Record did Mexico break ahead of the 2026 World Cup

T he FIFA World Cup 2026 is drawing closer , and fans around the world can already feel the excitement. In Mexico, one of the host countries, the government decided to organize a special event: a massive soccer class at the Zócalo in Mexico City.

The Zócalo is one of the most important landmarks in the country , a traditional stage for political, cultural, and civic events. From early morning, people began gathering, many wearing coordinated uniforms, creating a striking visual experience. What started as an invitation for citizens to join a training session quickly turned into something much bigger.

Mexico sets a Guinness World Record

Thanks to the participation of 9,500 people, Mexico broke a Guinness World Record for the largest soccer training session ever held. The record is defined by gathering the highest number of participants performing coordinated exercises continuously, in this case for thirty-five minutes.

To put it into perspective, the previous record was set in Seattle, United States . The session took place at Pier 62 within Waterfront Park on June 15, 2025, as part of the one-year countdown to the 2026 World Cup. In Seattle, 1,038 people participated, surpassing the prior mark of 956, set in San José, California. The comparison shows just how much Mexico raised the bar, filling the Zócalo with energy, movement, and soccer passion.

The event in Mexico was led by professional instructors, and Clara Brugada, Head of Government of Mexico City , attended as a representative of the capital. The magnitude of the record not only reflects the nation's love for soccer but also its ability to bring people together around a shared goal.